However, the PML-N MNA from Bajaur Shahabuddin Khan accused the ITP official of calling him a ‘terrorist’ after the MNA disclosed he was from Bajaur Agency. “He (Sub-Inspector Sikandar) said you are a terrorist, and threw my MNA card on the road,” said the Khan while talking to The Express Tribune. “I really don’t know why he called me a terrorist. Never in my life have I been insulted with such words.”
According to Khan, Sikandar signaled him to stop his car at a roundabout near the zoo, adding that as he alighted from the car, the official pointed out that he was travelling in a vehicle with a broken number plate which was also not a computerised one. “The number plate was broken but the number was clear and not damaged,” said Khan.
Secondly, Sikandar alleged that Khan was travelling without fastening his seatbelt and thus was asked to show his documents so a fine could be issued. While the official was examining the documents, Khan introduced himself and showed his MNA card while praising the ‘professional attitude’ of the cop. “What happened next has no answer so far,” said Khan, adding that “As he heard the words Bajaur Agency, he called me a terrorist straightway and threw my card away.”
Subsequently, what could have been an exciting dinner atop the Margallas transformed into a heated argument after the remarks were allegedly passed by the official. The representative from NA-44 then made a phone call to the deputy speaker of the National Assembly and informed him about the situation. He also called his official police squad that has been provided to him following threats to his life. Khan hails from the Salarzai tribe which has been involved in anti-Taliban campaigns in the tribal agency alongside the army.
Meanwhile, MNA Malik Abrar from the ruling party and Traffic DSP Illyas Hashmi reached the site where Khan was sitting on the road in protest against the alleged misconduct of the traffic cop. The DSP ordered Sikandar to remove his official belt and issued his suspension orders in front of the media. Hashmi, while talking to The Express Tribune, defended the cop’s action, saying he rightly issued a ticket to the lawmaker for running a red light.
“Sikandar issued a ticket of Rs500 to the MNA,” said the DSP adding that the incident took a heated turn when the MNA asked for an ‘on-the-spot’ fine, which Sikandar could not allow.
Hashmi said Malik Abrar paid the amount of the fine and the matter has now been settled. The MNA, however, vowed to take the matter to the assembly saying if a lawmaker could be insulted this way, ‘imagine, how residents of the capital are treated by traffic officials daily’.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2014.
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